The change in their rtionship made her feel embarrassed; she hadn’t been able to call her “Mom” for a long time.


    Be seemed to notice her hesitation and said generously, “Don’t worry.


    I’m still adjusting to this new identity myself.


    Let’s just let things happen naturally.


    ”


    Seeing that Be didn’t care about it, Ste was relieved.


    In an apartment, Joann Crawford greeted Lindsay at the door, who was arriving to move in.


    She weed Lindsay warmly, saying, “You’re finally here.


    I’ve been waiting for you.


    ”


    With a hint of embarrassment, Lindsay replied, “Thank you for taking me in.


    I just returned from abroad and wasn’t sure where else to go.


    ”


    Joann waved dismissively, saying, “Why so formal? Remember when we were kids? You saved me from drowning.


    I owe you big time.


    This is my chance to repay you.


    No need for politeness.


    ”


    “It’s been a long time.


    Let’s not dwell on it,” Lindsay said with a smile.


    “No way,” Joann insisted, helping Lindsay with her luggage.


    Seeing she only had one bag, Joann asked with a touch of dissatisfaction, “Is this all your stuff?”


    “I just moved out from my sister-inw’s ce.


    I didn’t want to impose with too many belongings in other people’s ce,” Lindsay exined.


    Joann frowned, thinking Lindsay might have been mistreated, and remarked disapprovingly, “Who is she? Why does she have to interfere?”


    “It’s not just about her.


    I just didn’t feelfortable staying there,” Lindsay rified.


    The more Joann dwelled on it, the stronger her conviction grew that Ste was to me for Lindsay’s troubles.


    Defending Lindsay, she remarked, “I’ve heard about your so-called sister-inw, Matthew’s wife.


    Shees from a humble background.


    Does she think marrying Matthew will change who she is?”


    Turning to Lindsay with a hint of ambiguity, Joann added, “Besides, you’re not rted to Matthew by blood.


    If you had not gone abroad, you might have been his wife.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ”


    rmed, Lindsay quickly interjected, “Please don’t say that in front of Ste.


    It’s not true.


    People might get the wrong idea.


    ”


    Joann squeezed Lindsay’s hand sympathetically.


    “You’re too gentle and kind-hearted to be mistreated by someone like Ste.


    ”


    Lindsay looked timid.


    “She’s been kind to me, taking me in for a few days.


    I’m an outsider, not part of the rk family.


    It’s understandable.


    ”


    Changing the subject, Lindsay pulled Joann to sit on the sofa.


    “Let’s not dwell on this.


    How’s the engagement party nning going?”


    With a radiant smile, Joann replied, “I’ve delegated everything to my fiancé.


    My only job is to show up on the day.


    ”


    Though Lindsay smiled, inwardly she felt disdain.


    Rumors about Joann’s pursuit of Bet Lowell had already circted among their circle.


    Joann went to great lengths, even traveling abroad, to pursue Bet.


    If the photos of them in bed hadn’t been exposed, he would never have epted her.


    At this moment, Joann’s heart brimmed with sweetness, oblivious to the contempt in Lindsay’s eyes.


    Resting her head on Lindsay’s shoulder, she dered, “You’re my closest friend.


    You must attend my engagement party.


    My brother will be there too, ready to support you against Ste.


    ”


    At the mention of her ignorant yboy brother, Felix Crawford, Lindsay’s disdain for Joann deepened.